The Importance of Muharram
The month of Muharram is among the four sacred months in Islam as I’ve mentioned in previous articles. This month is “the month of Allah” and contains a special day that marks the most known importance of Muharram. On the 10th of Muharram is the Day of Ashura, and it’s reported that it was obligatory to fast it before fasting in Ramadan was ordered.
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) ordered (the Muslims) to fast on the day of ‘Ashura, and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day (Ashura) or not. [Sahih Al Bukhari]
In the month of Muharram, we are encouraged to increase worship, especially fasting. Given this month is a sacred month, many Muslims fast during Muharram to increase their worship. Fasting is a very important action which we do, as it keeps us in a constant state of worship from sunrise to sunset.
Abu Hurairah narrated that: the Messenger of Allah said: “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]
Every single deed, whether it be good or bad, is weighed at a heavier weight on the scales of the believers during this blessed month, so all Muslims should try as hard as we can to engross ourselves in worship during it. Thus, we need to make sure to attempt to become the best Muslims that we can be during this month, and continue with the habits that we develop outside of it as well.
Allah commands us to look after ourselves and prevent the action of wronging during this significant month. This means that we should avoid engaging in wrongful and sinful actions and, instead, have pure intentions and perform righteous deeds, and worship Allah as much as we can to the best of our ability.
